M’s trade infielder Burke back to Padres

Just three weeks after acquiring veteran Chris Burke from the San Diego Padres, the Mariners have dealt the utility infielder back to San Diego, according to the North County Times of Escondido, Calif.

Burke had been playing for the Tacoma Rainiers and was hitting .237 in 38 at-bats. The Mariners paid cash to obtain Burke in order to bolster their middle infield depth on March 29.

But as reported in this story, the Padres wanted Burke back after backup shortstop Everth Cabrera broke a bone in his hand and was sidelined for two months.

It’s not known what the Padres gave up to reacquire Burke. The Mariners are expected to announce the trade officially on Tuesday.

Burke, 29, was a first-round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 2001. He’s played in 445 games in the major leagues over the past five years, mostly at second base and in the outfield, and is a career .241 hitter.

UPDATE: The M’s did make the deal official Tuesday afternoon, indicating only that the return deal was also for cash.